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“Keep Wildlife Wild,” Says Wildlife Commission

Provide habitat not a handout

16 May 2018

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RALEIGH, N.C. (May 16, 2018) — Spring marks the time of year when the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission receives the most calls from well-intentioned people who make the mistake of interacting with wildlife by feeding, making “pets” or otherwise, “helping” wildlife.

In almost all instances, the advice agency biologists give is “Help keep wildlife wild.” Feeding wildlife, whether intentionally or unintentionally, is the number one reason interactions between the public and wildlife can turn negative.

“Feeding wildlife almost always leads to problems for both the animal and the person feeding it,” said Allen Boynton, the Commission’s wildlife diversity program coordinator. “Wild animals that are provided with a steady supply of food from humans will lose their natural fear of humans, which can make them a problem.

“For instance, if you live in an area where bears are common and you don’t take down your bird feeders or secure your trash cans, a bear will associate your yard with ‘food’ and can become a problem.”

Likewise, the Commission receives many calls this time of year from people concerned about foxes and raccoons they see in their backyards, usually because they’re inadvertently feeding the animals. Commission biologists suggest several ways people can keep unwanted wildlife out of their yards. They should:

Secure garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids;

Keep trash inside as late as possible on pick-up days;

Keep bird-feed areas clean;

Use bird feeders that keep seed off the ground; and,

Make sure all pet food is consumed and empty bowls are promptly removed

Feeding wildlife also can increase the chance of disease transmission among people, pets and wildlife. When human-supplied food is readily available, animals will gather in abnormally large numbers, which can allow diseases — such as salmonellosis, distemper or rabies — to spread.

Rabies is of concern because it is a fatal disease and occurring in several native mammals, most notably raccoons, bats and foxes. Disease transmission also is a good reason why people shouldn’t attempt to make a wild animal a pet. Not only is it dangerous for the animal and the person, but it is also illegal without a wildlife rehabilitation license issued by the Commission.

Boynton also cautions people to refrain from capturing and handling a wild animal, particularly young wildlife, as doing so can stress it, sometime fatally.

“When a person keeps a wild animal, such as a fawn, a raccoon, or rabbit as a pet, the animal grows up dependent upon that person and is not able to live on its own in the wild,” Boynton said. “Many times, that animal cannot be released back into the wild because it may carry diseases or does not have the ability to survive on its own.”

Finally, for those people who want to “help” wildlife, such as a fawn that looks abandoned or a fledging bird hopping awkwardly on the ground, Boynton tells them to “just leave it alone and keep your distance. Chances are the mother is nearby and will return when she feels it is safe to do so.”

Instead of feeding wildlife or bringing them into their home, people should give animals natural sources of food and shelter — providing habitat not a handout. The Commission recommends a few tips for creating a wildlife-friendly backyard, regardless of size: